Canada's Jewish Community Mourns
Devastated by Return of Four Hostages' Bodies After More Than 500 Days in Captivity
Toronto, ON – February 20, 2025 – Today, the bodies of four Israeli hostages—who were brutally taken on October 7, 2023—have been returned to Israel after more than 500 days in Hamas captivity.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed that Oded Lifshitz’s body has been identified. Lifshitz, a peace activist kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, was murdered in captivity at the age of 83 by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
The identities of the three other hostages returned have not yet been confirmed but are expected to be Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas.
On behalf of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, Noah Shack, Interim President, released the following statement:
"Canada’s Jewish community mourns as the bodies of Shiri, Kfir, and Ariel Bibas, alongside peace activist Oded Lifshitz, have reportedly been handed over by Hamas after more than 500 days in captivity.
"Words cannot fully capture the unimaginable horrors experienced by these hostages. Their murders are yet another reminder of the sheer evil perpetrated by Hamas and its supporters. It is heartbreaking to realize that Yarden Bibas—himself held hostage for 484 days—now faces this tragic reality.
"Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future—for the sake of children in Israel, Gaza, and the entire world. This is a terror group that uses sexual violence and torture as tools of war, seizes hostages, and murders children, women, and the elderly.
"But words from the international community are not enough to stop Hamas. Canada and its allies must exert maximum pressure to secure the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, ensure that Hamas is held accountable for its atrocities, and prevent Hamas from ever returning to power in Gaza.
"May the memories of Shiri, Kfir, Ariel, and Oded be a blessing, and may their families find strength in the support of their communities and the unwavering solidarity of all who stand against terror."
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